If you have never heard of a KSA statement, you are not alone. Many Americans don’t know what a KSA is, let alone how to write an answer to one. However, knowing not only what a KSA statement is, but also how to write an effect answer to one can make the difference between getting a job…and getting left in the dust.
What is a KSA Statement?
KSA stands for knowledge, skills and abilities. A KSA statement, therefore, is a statement about the unique qualities needed to fill a particular position. A job that requires KSAs usually lists between three and five KSA statements in the job description.
Although KSA statements are not questions, each one still requires an answer. Federal employers use KSAs to help determine the applicant’s eligibility for the job. In other words, your answer to each KSA tells the employer whether you would be an appropriate candidate for the job. Well-written answers to KSA statements can land you an interview, whereas poorly written or incomplete answers can disqualify you right off the bat.
Seven Secrets to Writing Successful KSAs
Writing KSA answers makes many people nervous -- mainly because they don’t know what they are doing. With the right tricks up your sleeve, however, you’ll find that writing a winning answer to any KSA is a breeze. Here are seven secrets to writing successful answers to KSA statements:
- Be complete. It is important to answer each KSA completely. Simply saying, “Yes, I have that skill,” will get you nowhere. Treat each KSA like a news article: Who, what, why, where, when and how are all integral parts of the story. Tell the employer what knowledge or skill you have that satisfies their requirements; where, when, how and why you got it; and who you got it from. And don’t forget the other how: How your skill relates to what the employer is looking for....
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Author: Jason Kay